OpenAI brings the ChatGPT desktop app and Codex to Linux

OpenAI has brought the ChatGPT desktop app to Linux in preview, giving Linux developers a desktop surface for ChatGPT, ChatGPT Work, and Codex.

Supported Linux distributions and packages

OpenAI’s Linux documentation lists desktop support for:

• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and 26.04 LTS
• Debian 13
• Fedora 43 and 44

The preview provides packages for both x64 and ARM64 systems. Ubuntu and Debian use .deb packages, while Fedora uses .rpm packages. The installation configures OpenAI’s signed package repository so later updates can be installed through the distribution’s package manager.

Other Linux distributions may work, but OpenAI says they are not formally supported in this preview.

Codex with projects and local files

The Linux app lets users sign in with a ChatGPT account, work with projects and local files, and use Codex from the desktop workspace. OpenAI’s developer documentation positions the app as a way to keep development work where the code already lives, while the official announcement describes ChatGPT, Work, and Codex as available alongside projects and supported browser workflows.

Computer Use is not yet available in the Linux preview. OpenAI says Linux support for Computer Use is planned for a future release. Native Wayland support is also experimental; the app uses XWayland when available, and OpenAI documents an explicit Wayland launch option for users who want to test it.

Work sync and imports for agent workflows

In a separate August 11 developer announcement, OpenAI said the ChatGPT desktop app can keep work from other agents in sync with ChatGPT Work and Codex. The announcement names imports for projects, chats, skills, and plugins, an import-history view, and an opt-in setting for automatic updates.

That announcement is a concise product description rather than a full migration specification, so the durable Linux documentation is the better reference for supported operating systems, packages, and current limitations.

What developers should know

The Linux preview is most relevant to developers who want an integrated desktop entry point without leaving their native environment. Before installing, check the distribution and CPU architecture, and treat the preview limitations—especially the lack of Linux Computer Use and experimental Wayland support—as part of the current product boundary.

Sources

• OpenAI Developers — “ChatGPT desktop app for Linux”: https://developers.openai.com/codex/linux/linux-app
• OpenAI Developers — “ChatGPT desktop app”: https://developers.openai.com/codex/app
• OpenAI on X — official Linux preview announcement (August 11, 2026): https://x.com/OpenAI/status/2087231350134980830
• OpenAI Developers on X — official Work/Codex import-sync announcement (August 11, 2026): https://x.com/OpenAIDevs/status/2087242829076791392